Vagner Love returns to Russias CSKA Moscow

17 January 2013 11:47

Brazilian sharpshooter Vagner Love is returning to the Russian Premier League side CSKA Moscow after signing a 3.5-year deal with the club where he played in 2004-2011, the club announced on Thursday.

Vagner Silva da Souza -- who received the nickname "Love" for his success with women -- has played 244 matches for the side which has its roots in the Red Army, scoring 117 goals.

He won two Russian titles (2005 and 2006), five Russian Cups (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011) and UEFA Cup in 2005 before his return back to Brazil late in 2011.

On January 25, 2012, Vagner signed a contract with Brazilian giants Flamengo but the team announced earlier this week that the 28-year-old forward would be returning to CSKA.

"I'm happy to come back home," Vagner was quoted as saying by Sport-Express daily.

"I want to start practising as soon as possible to continue scoring as I did in previous years and to help my team to win again."

"I can assure CSKA supporters that I will never again ask the club chiefs to release me. I will go back only after CSKA president will tell me: 'It's enough, Vagner'."

Three-time Russian champions and current league leaders CSKA will be hoping to find Vagner on top form as they seek to hold of a challenge from Anzhi Makhachkala and Zenit St Petersburg to win the league again.

On Thursday Vagner and his teammates headed to their training camp in Spain to carry out their preparations for the Russian league restart.